Monday, December 31, 2007

Crap fror sale

I will come to your house and do marker drawings on demand. Unless you live out of town. Any beloved cartoon character that I know how to draw is available at a low, low price. Act now! Contact the e-mail:

jimsmithcartoons@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

More new old stuff



Conan marker drawing from early 80s. My scanner is too small so it was pieced together unskillfully, hence the differences in size and contrast. The rough color comp. looks better in some ways, color, composition, but I always like roughs for some reason. Maybe it's the feeling and energy that is lost in the finish. Or maybe I'm talking out of my petard.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Marker Fun


Recent drawing for a friend.

Monday, December 03, 2007

New old stuff


Found some old art while in Houston at Dad's house.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Hi Son how was your trip home?

Friday, November 16, 2007

Drawing for hire


This is an example of drawing for commission. The client asked for a drawing of a character from a popular movie. He sent me web links of movie clips to use as reference. First I draw from the movie to get familiar with the character, just rough sketches copied right from the scenes using the magic of freeze frame.

Caricature


After sketching the character more or less realistic, I cartoony up the face and try different angles. The first panel shows a slight exaggeration and panel two is a little more cartoony.

Pose




After doing some sketching from the movie I try a few different poses and work out anatomy.

Final drawings



In the final drawings some more tweaks were made like turning the head slightly in panel 2, adding flowing hair to panel 1. The colors are right from the movie except for skin which as cartoonied up.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Backgrounds

The finished drawing (panel 6 below) by John Dorman.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Background Drawing


How to impress executives and gussy up a storyboard panel. In panel 1 just the simple line drawing of whatever scene is needed. Panel 2 pencil shading is laid over line drawing. Softer leads are better for this and remember to start each stroke outside the picture area so the shading will look smoother. Panel 3 tissue is used to smear the shading using mostly circular motions to keep it smooth. Panel 4: Use an eraser - electric or regular - to create light areas. Electric is good for the more detailed parts. Panel 5: Start adding darker areas and textures. Dark shading is done last to avoid turning your masterpiece into an unholy mess.

Drawing Backgrounds -construction



Tracing over a drawing by Escher. Construction becomes more evident if a tracing is done over a photo or drawing and trying to find the lines that most describe the basic objects.

Drawing Backgrounds




To drawing convincing background scenery, perspective and construction are critical. Even with stylized and flat 2d design construction gives the scene a solid look and is evident in many old classic cartoons from Disney to Looney Tunes. Look for this quality next time you are watching a favorite cartoon.
These examples above are from a basic geometry textbook and has the technical terms for all the points and names for planes, etc. I enjoy learning about them but in storyboarding it is good to use shortcuts only after learning the fundamentals from a book or school.

Monday, November 05, 2007

New old stuff


Idea for a t-shirt or poster 1994 or 95.

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Freehead CD


Freehead's first album. A few CDs are still available for sale at the low, low price of $10 plus $2 shipping. Don't hesitate, get yours today! The new album, "Head First" will be available in spring of 2008!

Friday, November 02, 2007

G.I. Babies


1988-89, Presentation art.

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Background Design


Various bg samples from Ren & Stimpy, Chestaclese, and video game designs.

Beany & Cecil Art


1988, some fine examples by John K. including layouts, napkin sketches, and character models.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Paypal













Tech art


1983 watercolor Tomcat and tow tractor on aircraft carrier.

Scary Andy


Andy Griffith in scary mode with Jimmy the Idiot. When he was mad Andy could get real scary sometimes usually with Barney or Opie. His best line: " Barney, when this over I'm gonna kill you." from Return of the Fun Girls episode. I may have watched too much TV as a kid but sometimes it was worthwhile.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

How to draw girls



Some tips on the easy way to drawing girls: Look at a lot of real girls for many years. Stare at them from a safe distance but try not to get caught, especially by a boyfriend or husband or Mom. Then practice in your room alone for several decades and viola! Instant success. No charge but if you want to send money I'll have a pay pal soon.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Sunday, October 07, 2007

David P. Smith corner


"Expect nothin'- when you get it you won't be disappointed".

Thursday, September 27, 2007